Behavioral treatments are offered by trained health professionals in a variety of settings, and may be provided in combination with prescribed medications. National data indicate that at least one-third of all persons enrolled in addiction treatment programs for alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a co-occurring mental health disorder—most often anxiety or depression. Likewise, about one out of every four people treated in mental health programs have a co-occurring substance use disorder—most commonly, AUD.

What if I can’t find a nearby addiction therapist?

Caring for a person who has problems with alcohol can be very stressful. It is important that as you try to help your loved one, you also find a way to take care of yourself. It may help to seek support from others, including friends, family, community, and support groups. If you are developing your own symptoms of depression or anxiety, think about seeking professional help for yourself.

Coping and support

Continued care in residential or outpatient settings or both is often needed to sustain abstinence and promote long-term recovery. Across settings, a course of AUD treatment is likely to be measured in months, not days or weeks. Therefore, people who take these medications can also participate in mutual support groups that advise members not to replace one drug of addiction with another. Treatment options, such as therapy and support groups, can help individuals manage cravings, improve their mood and cognitive function, and rebuild social connections. The common signs of marijuana addiction include persistent cravings, loss of control over usage, and continued use despite negative impacts on personal and professional life. Individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit, which vary in intensity based on the level of dependency.

Groups for Family and Friends

Both of these fee-based, self-guided programs have a research base that shows their potential to help people cut down or quit drinking. For your convenience, the carefully screened therapists listed above—all of whom specialize in family therapy—practice in New York City. They are trained and ethically bound to protect your confidentiality and privacy. If cost is a concern, ask about insurance, sliding-scale fees, payment plans, and other options. Many therapists are driven by a desire to help, no matter the obstacles.

What evidence-based medications are available to treat AUD?

We are also equipped to treat co-occurring disorders throughout our network of facilities via an integrated approach to treatment. Some treat specific conditions, while others work for many different conditions. The goal of most treatments is to change thoughts and behaviors, and, if needed, manage physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Each of these fee-based tools has a research base that shows its potential to help people cut down or quit drinking.

What is meant by “evidence-based care”?

It can help you better understand the core cause of your thoughts and behaviors, so you can change unhealthy patterns. Research shows that most people who have alcohol problems are able to reduce their drinking or quit entirely. Currently, there are three medications approved for AUD in the United States, and they are an effective and important aid in the treatment of people with this condition. Ultimately, choosing to get treatment may be more important than the approach used as long as the approach avoids heavy confrontation and incorporates empathy, motivational support, and a focus on changing drinking behavior. The evidence suggests that the free and flexible assistance provided by mutual-support groups can help people make and sustain beneficial changes and, thus, promote recovery. Overcome addiction with our family support system, and regain control of your life!

• Marijuana addiction impairs relationships through various mechanisms, leading to emotional, financial, and social strains.
• Telehealth can be a great way to receive care, especially for people who have a hard time getting to appointments.
• Outpatient (meaning you have an appointment and leave the same day)There are two main types of outpatient care.
• A treatment regimen generally lasts around 12 sessions, though a family may need more or fewer depending on their situation.

If you have any of these symptoms, alcohol may already be a cause for concern. A health care provider can look at the number, pattern, and severity of symptoms to see whether AUD is present and help you decide the best course of action. AUD is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Health care providers diagnose AUD when a person has two or more of the symptoms listed below.

Personalized Medicine

AUD can be mild (the presence of two to three symptoms), moderate (the presence of four to five symptoms), or severe (the presence Hope House Boston Review of six or more symptoms). Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care provider or mental health provider. To date, three medications have been approved by the FDA to help prevent a return to heavy drinking. You don’t need specialized training or licensing to prescribe these non-addicting medications, so they are no more complicated to prescribe than those for other common medical conditions.